Design of a radio-linked implantable cochlear prosthesis using surface acoustic wave devices

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Audiology
• Signal Processing

Background:

• Cochlear prosthesis systems are crucial for postlingually deaf individuals.
• Current systems require surgical implantation and external processing of sound signals.
• Efficient transcutaneous signal and power transfer remains a key challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a novel cochlear prosthesis system for postlingually deaf patients.
• To detail an analog signal approach for transcutaneous data transfer using frequency multiplexing.
• To present a system for efficient power transfer to implanted components.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a filterbank of six narrowband surface acoustic wave (SAW) filters (72-78 MHz) for frequency multiplexing six speech data channels.
• Employed frequency modulation to transfer processed speech signals onto carrier signals.
• Implemented a separate 10-MHz transcutaneous link for exclusive power supply to implanted circuits.

Main Results:

• Successfully demonstrated a system for transcutaneous transfer of six processed speech data channels.
• Developed a miniaturized receiver package for implanted components.
• Achieved exclusive power supply to implanted circuits via transcutaneous energy transfer.

Conclusions:

• The described cochlear prosthesis system offers a viable solution for postlingual deafness.
• The analog signal approach with SAW filters provides efficient data multiplexing and separation.
• The integrated transcutaneous power and data transfer system enhances the functionality of cochlear implants.